Abiotic Factors (Leaving Cert Biology): Flashcards
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Abiotic factors
Abiotic factors
Non-living environmental conditions influencing ecosystems
Edaphic factors
Edaphic factors
Soil-related abiotic factors
4 main categories of abiotic factors
4 main categories of abiotic factors
Atmospheric, ground-based, aquatic, edaphic (soil)
Effect of temp. on biological processes
Effect of temp. on biological processes
Higher temp. speeds up; lower temp. slows down processes
How day length affects plants
How day length affects plants
Longer days = more photosynthesis time & faster growth
Effects of high altitude
Effects of high altitude
Cooler temps, stronger winds, more intense solar radiation
Aspect (abiotic factor)
Aspect (abiotic factor)
Compass direction a slope faces
Effect of steep slopes
Effect of steep slopes
Rapid water runoff, drier soil, fewer plants
What does light penetration limit in water?
What does light penetration limit in water?
Plant depth - only upper layers get enough light for photosynthesis
Organism adaptation to salt content
Organism adaptation to salt content
Most organisms adapted to fresh OR saltwater, not both
Soil pH: acidic, neutral, alkaline values
Soil pH: acidic, neutral, alkaline values
Acidic , Neutral , Alkaline
Sandy soil characteristics
Sandy soil characteristics
Large particles, quick drainage, poor water retention
Clay soil characteristics
Clay soil characteristics
Small particles, waterlogged, good nutrient retention
Loam soil characteristics
Loam soil characteristics
Ideal mixture: good drainage + moisture/nutrient retention
Instruments to measure abiotic factors
Instruments to measure abiotic factors
Light meters, pH meters, rain gauges, anemometers, compass